
Vineyards of Burgundy Cycling Holidays
Visit the medieval Rully Castle amid stunning vineyards
Ride the scenic Voie Verte cycling path to the charming town of Buxy
Pedal through Bois Clair, a mile-long bike tunnel
Enjoy Chalon-sur-Saône’s vibrant river port and old town
Stroll Macôn’s historic bridge and riverside promenade
Pedal through Saône’s idyllic river valley back to Beaune
Itinerary
Upon arriving in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, you’ll be greeted by its cobblestone streets and world-renowned vineyards producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. You can explore the picturesque old town, where boutique shops offer local delicacies and wine cellars that host premier tastings. To cap off your first day, you can visit Hôtel-Dieu, a medieval hospital famed for its colorful tiled roof, and the annual Hospices de Beaune wine auction to savor a glass of Burgundy wine.
Hotel in Beaune
You’ll pedal through the stunning vineyards of Burgundy, beginning with a stop in Meursault, famed for its Chardonnay-based white wines. The historic Château de Meursault offers tastings in cellars that date back to the 11th century. As you continue, you’ll pass Château de Rully, a medieval fortress hiding between the vineyards. Reaching Givry, known for its Pinot Noir, once favored by King Henri IV, you’ll admire the striking Eglise Saints-Pierre-et-Paul church. The day concludes in the medieval town of Buxy, where the Cave des Vignerons de Buxy showcases some of Burgundy’s finest wines.
43 km and 310 m of elevation gain / 290 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Buxy
As you arrive at Saint-Gengoux-le-National, you’ll pass through the streets of a medieval gem. The journey takes you to Cluny Abbey, once the largest church built during the Middle Ages and a symbol of medieval monastic power. At La Roche-Vineuse, the Château de la Greffière castle reveals its winemaking heritage with exhibits tracing techniques passed down through generations. Finally, you’ll end the day in Mâcon, strolling along its scenic Saône riverfront and enjoying the vibrant charm of its historic old town.
59 km and 300 m of elevation gain / 380 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Mâcon
Today, you’ll ride through Burgundy’s picturesque countryside, stopping in Replonges to visit the Église Saint-Martin church, admired for its Romanesque architecture and intricate stonework. The route takes you through Saint-Nizier-le-Bouchoux and Montpont-en-Bresse, where Bresse’s traditional half-timbered houses and culinary heritage come to life. You will conclude your day in Louhans, famous for its Grande Rue, a vibrant medieval street uniquely lined with 157 arcades, home to bustling shops and cafés.
58 km and 430 m of elevation gain / 430 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Louhans
You’ll cycle along the Voie Verte La Bressane greenway, passing through picturesque villages and serene countryside. In Branges, the Église Saint-Nizier church reveals its medieval origins and elegant Gothic features. The route continues through Montret and Saint-Germain-du-Plain, where traditional Bressan farmhouses stand in the lush fields. Passing through Ouroux-sur-Saône, with its scenic riverside views, you’ll arrive in Chalon-sur-Saône, a lively town with historical landmarks like Saint-Vincent Cathedral and a legacy tied to the invention of photography.
42 km and 160 m of elevation gain / 160 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Chalon
The journey begins in Chalon-sur-Saône, leading you to Crissey, where Burgundian architecture and a peaceful village atmosphere await. From there, the route continues to Gergy, where the Étang de Baignant Lake offers a tranquil stop surrounded by nature. Passing through Sainte-Marie-la-Blanche, the Cave de Sainte-Marie-la-Blanche introduces local wine traditions before the day concludes in Beaune.
41 km and 160 m of elevation gain / 120 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Beaune
Your journey through Burgundy comes to an end as you prepare for departure. Before wrapping up and packing your bags, you can take one final stroll through the charming streets, reflect on the stunning landscapes and cultural treasures you’ve experienced, and savor the memories of this unforgettable cycling adventure through the magical wine-rich Burgundy.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Description
The journey through Burgundy’s wine country weaves through medieval towns like Beaune and Buxy, world-renowned vineyards producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and a picturesque countryside rich in cultural treasures.
From ancient wine cellars to vibrant landscapes, the journey blends cultural treasures with the region’s finest flavors.
While Provence enchants with lavender fields and the Loire Valley with majestic châteaux, Burgundy stands apart as an intimate journey into France’s timeless heart, where culture, history, and natural beauty converge.
In Beaune, the 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu impresses with its vibrant tiled roof and history as a medieval hospital. Further south, the ruins of Cluny Abbey showcase Romanesque grandeur, echoing its past as Europe’s largest church. Finally, Louhans’ bustling Grande Rue, lined with 157 arcades, greets you with Burgundy’s rich blend of history and vibrant local life.
Cycling through Burgundy, you’ll average 50 kilometers per day with 300 meters of elevation gain, traversing rolling hills, vineyard-lined slopes, and flat sections along greenways like the Voie Verte La Bressane. The route primarily follows quiet roads and dedicated cycle paths, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.
Whether on a standard touring bike or an e-bike, this adventure suits cyclists of moderate fitness, offering a balanced blend of challenge and comfort.
Your holiday with us includes GPS tracks, a detailed digital booklet with a personalized itinerary, and comprehensive support, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey from start to finish.
Map
Things to know
Self-led bike adventures provide a tailor-made and flexible approach to cycling holidays, allowing you to discover at your leisure and modify your schedule or route whenever necessary. Our crew takes care of every detail, from accommodations and detailed plans to GPS guidance and ongoing assistance, ensuring a serene and immersive trip that offers independence, individuality, and authentic cultural encounters.
Our tours are grouped into three difficulty tiers: Leisurely, Moderate, and Challenging. The categorization is based on the typical day of the tour, even though there might be fluctuations in difficulty over the course of the trip.
Leisurely tours cater to those seeking a laid-back journey through breathtaking scenery, without the demand of traversing great distances or navigating tough terrains. These excursions usually span 30-50 km daily, with an altitude climb of up to 500m. This ensures ample opportunities to pause and soak in panoramas, savor regional dishes, and wander through picturesque towns and hamlets en route.
Moderate bike tours suit those seeking a harmonious blend of picturesque routes and a touch of challenge. Usually spanning 50-80 km daily with an altitude ascent of up to 1000m, these tours take you across captivating landscapes and delightful hamlets, offering a combination of level and undulating terrains. While providing ample opportunities to halt and delve deeper, they also ensure a rewarding cycling exercise.
Challenging bike tours cater to seasoned cyclists keen on testing their boundaries. Ranging from 80-120 km daily with an altitude rise of up to 2000m, these journeys involve navigating rigorous inclines and demanding terrains. However, the breathtaking vistas make the effort worthwhile. While these tours demand top-notch fitness and stamina, the euphoria of achievement felt at day’s end is unparalleled.
We’re committed to finding the perfect fit for you. We partner with several accommodation providers that align with our standards, though their availability can vary, particularly in high-demand periods. Additionally, we can tailor your holiday according to your tastes and financial plan, ensuring we pinpoint the most suitable option for your requirements.
We recommend securing your tour at the earliest convenience, particularly for sought-after tourist spots with limited accommodation availability. Top options frequently get reserved for the summer before the onset of spring.
Catering to dietary needs can fluctuate based on their complexity. In France, vegetarian choices are generally accessible, but sourcing vegan meals might be a challenge in countryside locales or smaller towns. Notably, lunch halts are often at conventional eateries that might not accommodate special dietary preferences beyond their regular offerings. Bear this in mind as you map out your journey.
The prime cycling season spans from mid-April to mid-October. In higher regions like the Alps, it’s best from mid-May to September to avoid snow.
Tours can proceed in light rain with suitable attire. Summer often brings afternoon thunderstorms, so starting tours early is advisable. If adverse weather is anticipated, we’ll aim to modify the tour in advance.
